London is one of Uber’s biggest international markets, giving users a much-needed alternative to the frequently congested public transportation system. The British capital also sets high standards when it comes to electric vehicles, which are a crucial part of the city’s broader aim to reduce pollution and improve air quality.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that there is a growing need for electric vehicles for Uber. We’ve put up a guide that should cover the majority of your concerns when first contemplating an electric car for Uber driving in order to help you plan for the future and determine whether electric cars are beneficial.

What benefits do electric cars have for Uber?

The city first established the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Central London to meet the increasing carbon emissions from vehicles. The Congestion Charge, another daily charge imposed in the same area but with stronger exclusion requirements, has also been gradually increased by TFL to support the decision directly to the cleanest technology available.

1. Congestion Charge Waiver

When travelling through Central London between the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm on weekdays and between the hours of 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm on weekends, drivers of all fully electric vehicles are exempt from taxes the daily £15 Congestion Charge.

2. ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) Exemption

The North Circular Road (A406) and the South Circular Road (A205), commonly known as the ULEZ Tax area, are included in the £12.50 daily charge for the London ULEZ, which is enforced 24/7. The requirements for exemption are more lenient at the moment, permitting some hybrid models and even some vehicles without a range of zero emissions (with only an internal combustion engine). Electric vehicles will certainly continue to be free from the ULEZ tax, even though future constraints may harm these vehicles.

3. Access to zero- or ultra-low-emission roadways

More and more streets in the vicinity of London are only accessible to vehicles that generate 0-75g/km of CO2 during specified hours. Only green vehicles are allowed to use these streets between the hours of 7:00 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm during the week.

A full-time driver would pay £360 per month for these costs if they drive new petrol, diesel, or traditional hybrid vehicle and up to £660 per month if they drive an older internal combustion vehicle. Therefore, since plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and fully electric vehicles (EVs) are completely exempt from both charges, these vehicles provide the most attractive long-term solution for Uber drivers.

4. Fuel Reductions

If you drive an electric vehicle, you won’t need to fill the tank. There are other versions that put your mind at ease when it comes to the variety of electrical vehicles. How much can you save by using an EV is the question?

Using the Zap-Map calculator, we calculate that driving an electric car instead of a petrol hybrid will save you £37 per week if you travel 700 miles a week.

5. Uber Green offers extra benefits

Driving an EV increases your capacity to locate rides around Greater London and reduces your commission costs. For the same cost as an UberX, clients of the Uber passenger app have the option to call an electric car.

The only difference is the amount of money in your wallet; on Uber Green, drivers earn 15% on each journey.

Where Can I Charge My Electric Car?

Home charging and public charging stations are your two major options. Zap-Map also provides a fantastic way to discover your closest charge station if you are unable to charge your electric vehicle at home. Download the app to easily locate a specific charger.

How Can Arrow Car Hire Assist?

We are aware that uncertainty surrounding long-term commitments may make decision-making difficult. We strive to provide you with the flexibility you require as a result. If you’re ready to make the jump to an EV, you can choose from our Flexi or Flexi Own plans, depending on whether you only want to test the system or you’re set on purchasing an EV.

Having an EV may be less expensive than you had expected. As part of our commitment to accelerating the shift to green transportation, we partnered with Uber to create the Uber Clean Air Plan. You can pay less each week for the Arrow Car Hire plan by registering in the Clean Air Plan.

As a PCO driver, you transport passengers comfortably to their destinations while earning money. You regularly drive, and you are also conscious of the significance of being prepared for the unexpected. When we hand you the keys, our effort at Arrow Car Hire doesn’t finish; it just starts. The Arrow Car Hire Team has put together a new safety guide to share with you the best defensive driving advice in order to help you stay safe on the roads.

What exactly is defensive driving?

Driving defensively requires paying attention to other drivers’ activities on the road, predicting their movements, and taking precautionary actions to minimize your chance of getting into an accident.

The benefits of defensive driving

What benefits does defensive driving deal? Simply said, defensive driving enhances your ability to utilize a PCO. Maintaining complete control of your car is important, but so is being aware of your surroundings. Your potential of becoming comfortable while driving increases with your level of experience. Therefore, we believe that sharing the following defensive driving advice with you will help you drive more safely.

Top driving safety advice

• Maintain a constant speed while driving – Although it might seem simple, always drive at a speed and pace acceptable for the terrain on your route. It may be attractive to drive more quickly so that you can complete one task and begin another, but the reality is that driving more quickly makes it harder to control your vehicle. Driving slowly makes it easier to maintain predictability.
• Consistently check your mirrors; don’t simply concentrate on the car in front of you. Look deeper in front of you or around you for any potential dangers. Remember to keep a close eye on your surroundings if there are construction or slow-moving vehicles. Before changing lanes or dropping off passengers, pay extra attention to your car’s blind zones.
• Remain attentive and alert — Driving is a complex task that needs your whole focus. Focusing on the road and your driving is necessary. Avoid becoming distracted by devices like your phone or sat-nav. Never disregard the risks of using a phone while driving. Avoid road rage incidents and be on the alert for bad drivers.
• Keep a 3-second space between vehicles — As you are surely aware, speed limits can quickly drop from 60 mph to as low as 20 mph. Even if a driver is moving too slowly, never tailgate them. Maintain a safe separation between your cars directly ahead of it. Always give yourself at least three seconds waiting period so you can respond to unexpected circumstances and improve your private hire experience.
• Signal early and clearly – Unless you are apparent and anticipated, no one will know what you are going to do next. Use turn signals, headlights, or brake lights properly to interact with other drivers. Avoid parking your car in another car’s blind spot.
• Eat well and get adequate rest – Avoid driving if you’re feeling fatigued or sleepy. Keep yourself hydrated and take frequent breaks. If necessary, stop for a coffee and food to get some extra energy. If you don’t get enough sleep, you might find yourself anxious and frustrated.
• Adapt your driving style to the weather – You should slow down when it’s rainy or slippery since braking distances are larger. Make sure you turn on your hazard lights when vision is low due to fog and turn them off when visibility improves.

We at Arrow Car Hire have a special system for assessing drivers that enables drivers to invest in their future with their PCO car.

You might have seen the increase in electric vehicle sales in the UK, particularly for PCO vehicles. This is due to the fact that the advantages of electric vehicles are clearer. To discover more about the benefits of switching to electric vehicles.

Rising Fuel Prices

The cost savings associated with converting to electric vehicles may be the main advantage for PCO drivers. Fuel costs are soaring and are probably going to rise even further. Compared to fuel costs, electric charging stations are significantly less expensive.

For instance, the cost of fuel for 188 miles would be approximately £25, but the cost of an electric charge from a home charger for the same distance is only £5.60. Public charging stations are also very cost-effective. If you decide to get a 100-mile charge for your PCO car, the chargers at Pod Point will normally cost you around £6-7.

Time and money savings for garage visits

Drivers of electric vehicles can spend up to 50% less on maintenance than those of fuel-based vehicles, according to a report. The fact that electric vehicles have fewer parts indicates that their maintenance and repair expenses are substantially lower.

Regular cars feature almost a hundred mechanical parts, including the radiator, engine, exhaust system, and other components. Frequently taking your car in for maintenance increases the probability of wear and breakdown. However, electric vehicles are much more cost-effective because they visit the garage less frequently.

Long Range Possibilities

Electric vehicles’ initial range capabilities would be somewhat restricted. Several choices for electric vehicles are available today, all of which come with a battery of a respectable capacity, a cargo area, and the ability to go a long distance.

A PCO electric vehicle’s maximum range, with a 60kWh battery, is 200 miles. The electric vehicle will require an hour of quick charging to get this range. Additionally, PCO electric vehicles can benefit from overnight charging so they will be completely equipped the next day.

Green Driving

Sustainability and green initiatives were the main focus of Expo 2020 in Dubai, which was praised by all visitors due to their positive impact on the environment. Electric cars are the best option for environmentally friendly driving because they produce no pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that air pollution causes over seven million fatalities annually

Driving Style Modification

You may make some simple changes to your driving style that will help you save a lot of money in addition to the overall advantages offered by an electric vehicle. Your electric vehicle can go farther and is more effective when it is fully charged.

Preconditioning

When you use the heater or air conditioner while driving an electric vehicle, the battery reduces quickly. But if you precondition your vehicle while it is charging, it may be set to the proper temperature and you will have the complete range of your vehicle. All of your passengers will appreciate the small gesture of consideration.

Cruise Control

Your vehicle’s speed is automatically managed by the cruise control system. You shouldn’t need to press the accelerator down when driving on flat roads because doing so profligately consumes the battery.

Brake regeneration

It is essential to understand that electric vehicles have regenerative braking. When the electric motor is utilised to slow down the vehicle while transferring some of the charges back to the battery, this is referred to as regenerative braking. This has significantly enhanced the braking mechanism. You must concentrate on accounting for the proper stopping distance and braking slowly.

Regenerative braking also results in less brake dust being produced and less wear and tear on your brakes. This contributes to the further improvement of your electric vehicle’s efficiency.

Government-provided benefits

The government and private vehicle rental companies have established numerous programmes and strategies to encourage electric vehicles because their use is becoming more widespread and beneficial to the environment.

Government Support

The UK government is currently offering a discount when purchasing a brand-new electric car. You may find a list of the electric vehicles that qualified for this incentive here. Furthermore, there are no requirements for applying for this award. The most that can be discounted is £2,500.

Home Charging for Electric Vehicles (EVHS)

This particular programme encourages the use of charging stations within your home, as the name suggests. You will receive a 75% discount on the price of establishing a charging port in any home as part of this programme. The installation savings, with VAT, might be up to £350.

If you don’t have a dedicated garage for your electric vehicle, you can park it on the road and attach the charging cable to the car. There are no legal consequences even if your wire crosses a sidewalk. Electric charging stations placed on light poles in residential areas have received approval from numerous authorities. Therefore, even if you don’t have a charging station at home, this may be a good alternative.

Riding Efficiency

An electric car performs more efficiently than a conventional one that depends on fuel in a number of ways. For instance, the rapid torque produced by the electric engine enables better acceleration and braking. Furthermore, in comparison to standard vehicles, electric vehicles are significantly more responsive and manageable.

Electric vehicles perform better powered by fuel even in terms of internal environment and convenience. Since the battery is very small compared to a standard engine, it doesn’t take up much area, allowing for a spacious and more pleasant interior for you and your passengers.

The security statistics of many electric vehicles have exceeded those of standard vehicles. The same independent testing devices are required for both vehicles. Electric vehicles have frequently received a maximum of five stars.

The biggest environmental issue currently confronting the UK is toxic air pollution. Traffic emissions are the primary cause of the city’s toxic air, especially in London. It increases asthmatic and allergic patients’ conditions and causes lung and heart diseases.

To mitigate this and reduce traffic emissions in the city, the Mayor of London and Transport for London established Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) throughout the city. Drivers in ULEZs would be required to pay a fee in order to drive a vehicle.

If you drive a PCO, we’ve created a comprehensive explanation of the ULEZ fee that explains what it means for PCO drivers, how it affects them, how much money they’ll need to pay, what happens if they don’t pay this charge, and whether their vehicle will be subject to this tax.

What Do ULEZ Charges Imply?

The Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge will be established in Central London in 2019 in an effort to reduce the amount of toxic air in the area and preserve the general public’s health. The ULEZ charge is based primarily on the claimed emission, not the age of the vehicle:

The £12.50 daily ULEZ fee can be paid up to 90 days in advance or by midnight on the third day after the trip. Drivers will be given a £160 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if they don’t pay the ULEZ charge by midnight on the third day preceding their journey through the zone.

The PCN can be reduced to £80 if you pay it in full within 14 days. The circumstances of the case qualify you to get a PCN from TFL:

• If you are not on the exempt list or are not qualified for a 100 % discount and your vehicle does not satisfy the ULEZ emission requirements.
• If your car doesn’t meet ULEZ emissions standards and you haven’t paid the necessary fee by midnight on the third day after entering the zone.
• TFL has not registered your car.
• You paid the ULEZ fee for the incorrect licence plate or the incorrect day of travel.
• You completed the ULEZ payment by mail less than 10 days prior to your trip.

Since ULEZ charges are paid from midnight to midnight, you are eligible to earn a different PCN for each day that you travelled within the ULEZ on a charging day. PCNs may be given to both UK- and non-UK-registered vehicles.

When Is the ULEZ Fee Charged?

Specific time zones are exempt from the ULEZ charge. In actuality, it is open every day of the week, 365 days a year. The lone exemption is Christmas Day, December 25, when no one has to pay the ULEZ fee.

The locations of the ultra-low emission zones.

All of the areas that are covered by the North and South Ring Roads are included in the Ultra-Low Emission Zones. Previously, these zones did not extend to the South Circular (A205) and North Circular (A406) roads. The Ultra-Low Emission Zones, however, were expanded to cover all of Greater London in 2021, putting an end to this. More PCO drivers will therefore be subject to a daily £12.50 tax for entering these zones if they do not meet the minimal emissions requirements established by TFL.

On the TFL website, you can enter a specific address to see if it is located in an Ultra-Low Emission Zone.

Do PCO Cars Pay the ULEZ Charge?

Absolutely, Even PCO vehicles are subject to the ULEZ charge. The only PCO vehicles exempt from this rule are those reserved for special individuals, patients, and wheelchair-bound individuals with disabilities. If you are a PCO driver and drive in the zone at any time of day or night, you must pay the ULEZ charge.

The only vehicles and groups of people who are completely exempt from ULEZ charges or who qualify for a reduction on their daily ULEZ fee are as follows:

• Taxis
• Fully electric vehicles
• Vintage vehicles
• Private hire vehicles (PHVs) with wheelchair accessible
• Handicapped friendly vehicles
• Minibuses for public transportation

Check this website to determine whether your vehicle complies with TFL’s safety and pollution standards as well as whether you’ll be required to pay congestion and ULEZ fines.

Can I Avoid Paying ULEZ Charges?

If you do not appear on the exempt list, the only way you can avoid paying the ULEZ fines is to switch to a fully electric vehicle. Both the ULEZ and London’s Congestion Charge are entirely cancelled for fully electric PCO vehicles.

In fact, making the conversion to an electric car is smart since you get to enjoy the following benefits:

• Reduced fuel costs
• Zero emissions
• Operational incentives
• Less wear and tear
• Less bouncy rides
• Extensive EV network

How do I pay the ULEZ fee?

As previously stated, you have until midnight on the third day of your trip to pay the ULEZ charge, or you can pay it 90 days in advance.

The ULEZ fee can be paid in a variety of ways. If you frequently travel through the zones, you can either set up Auto Pay for the ULEZ charge, make a one-time payment online, or even write a check. To save you from having to figure out the ULEZ fees for each day you travelled in the zone, many PCO car rentals include them in the weekly or monthly cost of your car.

Uber has always made an effort to satisfy the continuously changing needs of its customers through its services. Right now, Uber provides a variety of flexible ride options that are helpful to both drivers and riders.

If you’re considering signing up for a PCO car subscription service and becoming an Uber driver, reviewing the various ride types Uber offers might assist you in choosing the best vehicle for your requirements.

Checking Uber’s standard vehicle specifications is the first step to do. Every Uber ride choice adds more requirements to this list. Therefore, the type of vehicle you need depends on the services you plan to provide.

The many ride types in the UK are listed here.

UberX

This is Uber’s standard premium service. It’s Uber’s most popular option and can carry up to four people. Since UberX provides a reasonable value for its pricing, people frequently choose it.

For this service, your car must fulfil the following minimum requirements:

• Four-door design

• Relative to 2008

• Well-maintained

• No branded merchandise

• Permitted to transport four people.

UberXL

UberXL is a service that provides SUVs and vans for a large groups of people. It was developed for those who don’t want to leave any friends behind. In addition to having large luggage, UberXL vehicles must be approved to carry six passengers overall, excluding the driver.

As a PCO driver, you have the chance to increase your earnings each trip because UberXL passengers must pay a higher price.

Uber Comfort

Uber Comfort is the best option if you want to give your customers a more luxurious ride. This service offers more contemporary, spacious vehicles with reputable drivers. It distinguishes itself by granting passengers greater flexibility – they may pre-set their preferred car temperature as well as their chat availability.

Furthermore, the passengers receive a 12-minute wait time for pick-up, the first two of which are free. All the benefits come at a higher cost per ride.

Uber Green

Uber has committed to doing its part to enhance the air quality in the major cities where it conducts business. Affordable and comfortable rides in all-electric vehicles are available through the Uber Green service. In Greater London, Uber Green is accessible everywhere. With the same pricing as an UberX, but paying drivers 15% more per trip.

As a PCO driver, Uber Green is a fantastic opportunity for you. The Uber Clean Air Plan allows you to access an electric vehicle with assistance in addition to earning extra money per ride. This may provide you with the inspiration you need to transition to an EV.

Uber Exec & Uber Lux

Uber Exec and Uber Lux provide a high-class trip with pricing to match those looking for a premium experience.

Uber Exec demands a high-end executive vehicle that is no older than 2016 as well as highly rated professional driving credentials, including a minimum of 1000 completed rides and a constant rating of 4.9 or above.

A better version of Uber Exec is Uber Lux. This service, which is regarded as Uber’s most opulent, requires having a faultless expensive vehicle that must conform to very rigorous specifications – an authorised deluxe model in excellent condition, with a black exterior and interior.

The request for these services can be fairly modest, so it might not be enough to provide a steady income if you’re considering driving just for Uber Exec.

Access / Assist for Uber

Uber Access is a specialised service with space for wheelchairs for those with mobility impairment. For those who need extra assistance during their ride in an UberX standard vehicle, there is a service called Uber Assist.

Additionally, the standard UberX must have the capacity in the trunk for folding wheelchairs and be accessible to those who have support pets.

UberPet

The UberPet option has made it much simpler to travel with a pet friend. The price is more than UberX, and each passenger is only allowed to bring one pet. Don’t worry about the potential mess; the passenger will be charged a service charge for any damage the pet may create.

The best news is that Uber offers equal flexibility to its drivers and customers. You can choose which service you wish to drive for with Uber, and if you satisfy the requirements, you can drive for multiple services simultaneously.